Difference Between Fibroadenoma and Breast Cancer
Fibroadenoma vs Breast Cancer: Key Differences, Symptoms & Diagnosis
Both fibroadenoma and breast cancer can present as lumps in the breasts, but they have different treatments and impacts on the body. Knowing the distinction between fibroadenoma and breast cancer is essential for breast health. Let us learn the differences between fibroadenoma and breast cancer with the help of numerous parameters.
Difference Between Fibroadenoma and Breast Cancer
Although both diseases affect the same body parts, fibroadenoma and breast cancer differ significantly from each other. The table below differentiates fibroadenoma from breast cancer based on different parameters:
| Parameters | Fibroadenoma | Breast Cancer |
| Types | Common types of fibroadenoma are simple fibroadenomas, complex fibroadenomas, juvenile fibroadenoma, and giant fibroadenomas. | Some of the common types of breast cancer include invasive ductal carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, and lobular breast cancer. |
| Symptoms | Fibroadenomas can result in lumps that are not painful. These lumps can be as small as a pea and grow as large as a golf ball. | The symptoms of breast cancer can be different. Sometimes, the colour and size of the breast change, or there is a lump or a change in the look of the skin. |
| Causes | According to some experts, fibroadenomas can be caused by hormone therapy or pregnancy. Women who are sensitive to estrogen may be affected by this disease. | Breast cancer develops when breast cells mutate and form cancerous cells that multiply to develop tumours. |
| Growth | Fibroadenoma may grow slowly and does not affect other tissues. | Tumours can grow rapidly, affect other tissues, and spread to distant organs. |
| Complications | Though typically benign, fibroadenomas can grow large, causing breast distortion or discomfort. Rarely, complex fibroadenomas may slightly increase breast cancer risk, requiring monitoring or surgical removal if symptomatic or enlarging. | Breast cancer may spread to lymph nodes, bones, lungs, or the brain. Complications include lymphedema, metastasis, treatment side effects, recurrence, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life, requiring long-term management. |
| Diagnosis | Some of the major tests to treat fibroadenoma include a mammogram, an ultrasound, and an image-guided core needle breast biopsy. | The diagnosis process of breast cancer includes tests, including breast biopsy, immunohistochemistry, breast ultrasound, and genetic testing. |
| Treatment | Typically monitored with regular exams; surgical removal if large, painful, or growing. Minimally invasive options like cryoablation may also be considered. | Depends on the type and stage, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and targeted drugs. Multidisciplinary care ensures optimal outcomes and personalised treatment planning. |
What are Fibroadenoma and Breast Cancer?
A fibroadenoma is a benign breast growth that is not malignant. Fibrous and glandular tissue combine to produce a mass in this smooth and solid tumour. Rarely, breast cancer may be the result of a fibroadenoma.
On the other hand, one of the most prevalent malignancies in women is breast cancer. It occurs when breast cancer cells grow and develop into tumours. A tumour may spread from your breast to other parts of your body in around 80% of invasive breast cancer cases.
Understanding the difference between fibroadenoma and breast cancer is crucial for proper treatment. You must seek medical advice immediately if you notice lumps in your breasts. However, the treatment of both these diseases can be exhausting. Try to eat well, manage stress, and get enough rest to recover from the aftereffects of the treatments.
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